Marium's Story

I was the first in my family to have C-sections, first (and I hope the last) to suffer from postpartum psychosis. As a medical student, I even diagnosed one case at a friend’s house. She got better after seeking treatment. Little did I know that I myself would suffer thrice.  

Nobody understood at first when I suddenly started speaking in a rush, failed to recognize my baby on day 9, and was almost dead by day 10. Luckily, a psychiatrist saw me, and I started treatment. It was very difficult to keep up with the chores. I would wait the whole day for my baby to sleep. Gradually, with a lot of support from my in-laws and my husband, I started becoming better. Of course, I took medicine regularly for two years after the first pregnancy and one year after my subsequent pregnancies. 

I wish the PP would have been diagnosed earlier. My husband was my biggest support. I think during pregnancy, women need to be assessed by a psychologist, because when I look back, I had depression during my pregnancies which was made worse because I was not allowed to go anywhere. Women should continue being mobile, continue having a good time and eating what they like. I recovered fully after three episodes only because of good care, support, and regular medications. However, I still feel that things could have been better if I had a better environment during pregnancy.